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During an ABC town hall on racism with Disney boss Bob Iger and others who are “qualified to speak on the subject,” Michael Strahan revealed major allegations of racism while working as a co-host on “Live with Kelly,” Fox News reports.
ABC has responded to the allegations, stating: “There are deeply disturbing allegations in this story that we need to investigate, and we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation.”
During an episode of “Live with Kelly,” Strahan felt that he could not speak up or raise his voice put of fear of coming off as a threat as a black man, according to Fox News.
Although Strahan didn’t blatantly mention “Live” by name, it was clear that he was talking about his time on the show just before his dramatic exit back in 2016.
One source told Page Six, “Michael said that there were some very tense situations with executives who got argumentative and loud on the show, and he was very aware he couldn’t speak up or raise his voice as he was worried he would be seen as threatening.”
Strahan abruptly left the show with Ripa back in 2016, and he opened up about the friction between himself and Ripa.
He also pointed out that Kelly Ripa contributed to his decision to leave.
“It was tougher in the TV business to see a certain kind of competitiveness than it was in sports,” Strahan told The New York Times at the time.
“I don’t want to be on the show and feel like everyone else is carrying me. I want us all to be successful,” Strahan explained. “I’ve done things where I went in with team concepts, and I got there and realized it’s not about team. It’s selfish, and I don’t operate well under that.”
“Then on television, I’ve had jobs where I got there and felt like: Wow, I didn’t know I was supposed to be a sidekick. I thought I was coming here to be a partner.”
“There are deeply disturbing allegations in this story that we need to investigate, and we have placed Barbara Fedida on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough and complete investigation. These allegations do not represent the values and culture of ABC News, where we strive to make everyone feel respected in a thriving, diverse and inclusive workplace,” Strahan read.
More from Fox News:
Representatives for Strahan did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.
Without naming Ripa or their former talk show, the New York Giants player hinted that he did not feel like he was a part of a team working alongside the former soap opera star.
— Advertisement — Strahan’s comments at the town hall came soon after he spoke out about the controversy that rocked ABC News over the weekend that saw top executive Barbara Fedida go on administrative leave after a report detailing alleged racist mistreatment by Fedida of black journalists at the network.
